1.3 Outline key features of type 2 diabetes

This guide will help you answer 1.3 Outline key features of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a common long-term condition where the body struggles to use sugar, or glucose, as fuel. It is different from type 1 diabetes in several ways, especially how the body’s insulin acts. More adults have type 2 diabetes, and its development is usually slow. Understanding its features is important for providing support in health and social care.

Insulin Resistance

The central feature of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. This means the body’s cells stop responding properly to insulin. Insulin is a hormone from the pancreas that allows glucose to enter the cells. When this process does not work, glucose stays in the blood and levels rise.

Key aspects of insulin resistance:

• The pancreas still makes insulin, but it does not work well
• The pancreas might try to make more insulin to keep blood sugar normal
• Over time, the pancreas may tire out and insulin production can drop

This gradual shift can take years before type 2 diabetes is diagnosed.

Slow Onset and Age of Development

Type 2 diabetes develops much more slowly than type 1 diabetes.

Typical facts about onset:

• It is most commonly seen in people older than 40, but is being found more in younger people, including children, especially in some ethnic groups
• Some people have no symptoms for years and may only find out through blood tests
• Risk increases as people get older

Because the signs are often milder or absent at first, type 2 diabetes can go unnoticed for a long time.

Risk Factors

Unlike type 1 diabetes, lifestyle and family history play a larger part in developing type 2 diabetes.

Main risk factors include:

• Being overweight or having excess fat around the waist
• Not being physically active
• Unhealthy eating, such as having lots of processed food or sugary drinks
• Family history of the condition
• Being of African, Caribbean, South Asian or Chinese descent
• Having high blood pressure or certain other health problems
• Having previously had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
• Ageing

Reducing some of these risks by changes to diet, weight and physical activity can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to those in type 1 but are often milder. They occur when blood glucose levels are high.

Common signs:

• Feeling tired more than usual
• Needing to pass urine a lot, especially at night
• Increased thirst
• Blurred vision
• Healing of wounds is slow
• Recurring infections, such as thrush
• Sometimes, no symptoms are noticed at all

By the time of diagnosis, some people may already have health problems related to the condition.

High Blood Sugar Levels

People with type 2 diabetes often have higher than normal blood sugar for a long time before it is found.

Main points:

• Blood sugar can rise slowly over several years
• Symptoms are less severe than in type 1, sometimes barely noticed
• Long-term high blood sugar can harm blood vessels and nerves

These long-term effects highlight the need for early detection.

Long-Term Complications

Type 2 diabetes can lead to several problems if blood sugar remains high for a long period.

Complications include:

• Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy) that could cause vision loss
• Kidney disease, sometimes leading to failure
• Nerve damage, which could affect hands, feet, stomach or sexual function
• Poor blood flow, increasing the risk of foot ulcers, infections or amputation
• Heart disease and stroke due to damaged blood vessels
• Gum disease and dental issues

Managing blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol lowers these risks.

Treatment and Management

Type 2 diabetes is usually managed in several stages. The approach chosen is matched to the individual.

Treatment may include:

• Making changes to diet, increasing fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, and reducing sugar and fatty foods
• Becoming more physically active, for example walking regularly
• Losing weight if needed
• Taking medicines, such as metformin, if blood sugar levels remain high
• Some people eventually need insulin injections, but this is less common at first than in type 1 diabetes
• Monitoring blood sugar, sometimes at home or at the GP surgery

Regular medical reviews help adjust the plan as needed. Support for healthy habits is important for long-term success.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

Unlike type 1 diabetes, not everyone with type 2 diabetes checks their blood sugar at home.

Ways to monitor include:

• Periodic blood sugar tests at the surgery or pharmacy
• Home tests, particularly for those on insulin or at risk of low blood sugar
• Measuring HbA1c (a blood test showing the average blood sugar over 2–3 months), usually at least once a year

Results guide changes to treatment or lifestyle to keep blood sugar in a safe range.

Hypoglycaemia and Hyperglycaemia

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is much less common with type 2 diabetes unless insulin or certain tablets (such as sulphonylureas) are used. High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) is more likely if management is not effective.

Symptoms of hypoglycaemia:

• Shaking, sweating, hunger and confusion
• More likely if meals are delayed or too much medicine is taken

Symptoms of hyperglycaemia:

• More tired than normal, thirsty and needing to urinate more often
• May lead to serious illness if left untreated for too long

Educating about both, when appropriate, is key for self-management.

Prevention and Remission

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can often be delayed, prevented, or, in some cases, put into remission.

Key points:

• Weight loss and increased activity can lower risk, especially for those at high risk or with early signs (prediabetes)
• Some people who lose a lot of weight early after diagnosis (often through structured programmes or surgery) may go into remission. This means blood sugar returns to normal without the need for medication, but careful monitoring must continue

Remission is more common when type 2 diabetes is caught early.

Impact on Daily Life

Many people live active, fulfilling lives with type 2 diabetes, but the condition does affect day-to-day routines.

Common effects include:

• Planning healthier meals and snacks
• Keeping physically active
• Attending medical appointments
• Taking regular medication
• Monitoring well-being to watch for symptoms

Support from friends, family, and workplaces can help make these changes manageable.

Psychological and Social Impact

Living with type 2 diabetes can cause stress, worry, or feelings of guilt. Adjusting to a new lifestyle may be hard, especially soon after diagnosis.

Possible feelings:

• Worry about long-term complications
• Anxiety about making changes to food or exercise habits
• Embarrassment or stigma about needing medicine or having the condition
• Depression or feeling overwhelmed

Talking with others who have type 2 diabetes, or with healthcare team members, can be comforting.

Myths and Misunderstandings

Some common false ideas about type 2 diabetes include:

• Only older adults can get it (it is now seen in younger people)
• Thin people never get type 2 diabetes (being overweight is a risk factor, but not the only one)
• Eating sugar always causes type 2 diabetes (diet matters, but the cause is more complex)
• It is less serious than type 1 diabetes (both are serious and need close management)

Reducing myths helps prevent stigma and supports better self-care.

Support Networks and Education

People with type 2 diabetes benefit from information and encouragement.

Common support includes:

• Diabetes education courses explaining diet, exercise, and medicines
• Diabetes nurses and doctors for regular reviews
• Dietitians for personalised advice
• Peer support groups, online or local
• Referrals to get help with psychological, vision or foot problems when needed

Learning more empowers self-care and reduces anxiety about the condition.

Genetic and Environmental Factors

Both family history (genetics) and the environment play a part in type 2 diabetes.

Relevant facts:

• Having a close family member with type 2 diabetes increases the chance of getting it
• Lifestyle, such as diet and exercise habits, plays a major role
• Some ethnic backgrounds face increased risk for reasons not yet fully understood

Changing habits can lower risk even for those with strong family history.

Summary of Differences from Type 1 Diabetes

Comparison points:

• Insulin is usually still produced, but does not work well
• Gradual onset, often with no symptoms at first
• Usually affects older adults, but can affect younger people
• Strong link with weight, lifestyle and family background
• May not require insulin, especially at first
• Possible, in some cases, to delay, prevent or reach remission with changes to habits

Recognising these differences helps shape the support and advice you offer.

Final Thoughts

Type 2 diabetes is a common, long-term condition shaped by a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. It builds up slowly, often with mild or no symptoms at first, making early checks and awareness important.

Type 2 diabetes can be managed well with changes to eating habits, activity and, sometimes, medication. Support, education and routine reviews help prevent or delay complications, keeping people healthy and active. Your role in listening, encouraging positive lifestyle changes, and offering informed advice makes a positive difference to those living with type 2 diabetes.